Which describes how the spring constant affects the potential energy of an object for a given displacement from an

equibrium position?

The higher the spring constant, the greater the gravitational potential energy

The lower the spring constant, the greater the gravitational potential energy

The higher the spring constant, the greater the eastic potential energy

The lower the spring constant, the greater the elastic potential energy

The correct answer is option 3. The higher the spring constant, the greater the elastic potential energy

Explanation:

The elastic potential energy is given by:

U = 1/2 kx²

where,

k = the spring constant

x = compression/stretching of the spring

Therefore, from the formula, it is clear that k, or spring constant is directly proportional to U, or elastic potential energy

Therefore, The higher the spring constant, the greater the elastic potential energy